Dueling in Charleston: Violence Refined in the Holy City

Dueling in Charleston: Violence Refined in the Holy City
ISBN-10
1614237786
ISBN-13
9781614237785
Category
History
Pages
160
Language
English
Published
2012-11-20
Publisher
Arcadia Publishing
Author
J. Grahame Long

Description

Though no landmarks or memorials formally recognize dueling in Charleston, it remains a quintessential element of the Holy City's legacy. Most upstanding locals nourished the duelist's tradition, many going so far as to make it an integral part of their social lives. For a time, even the most casual character insults or slurs toward one's moral fiber or family lineage invited a challenge, and almost always, the offended party was expected to retaliate. Thus, finding full expression in frequency and public acceptance throughout the Lowcountry, a gentleman's duel was a crucial--albeit deadly--matter of taste and caste. For two centuries, Charlestonians dueled habitually, settling personal grievances with malice instead of mediation. Charleston historian J. Grahame Long presents a charming portrait of this dreadfully civilized custom.

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